How to Play Bass with a Drummer (Foolproof Beginner Blueprint)

👉 My full beginner bass course: yeah.bassbuzz.com/drummer
Here’s the most foolproof beginner blueprint for how to play bass with a drummer.
If you listen to the drummer in a specific way, it’s easy to pick rhythms for your bass lines that makes the music feel good. I’ll show you how to get started in this beginner lesson.
First, you need to know your way around the drum kit, so we’ll start with a crash course on the names of the drums and cymbals in a standard set-up.
Then we’ll apply your drum knowledge to actually make better bass lines.
I’ll show you a simple blueprint that a lot of bass lines use to automatically match up with the drums, which you can use to make easy bass lines that feel good.
You can either use this blueprint 100%, or use it as a starting point to build a complex bass line with more independent rhythms.
Then I’ll give you some practice listening to the drums in the specific way you need to use it. And we’ll wrap up by playing a bass line that uses the blueprint so you can see it in action.
Did this lesson make your drummer fall in love with you? Who knows how the next BassBuzz video will change your life, click subscribe for more game-changing stuff...
yeah.bassbuzz.com/subscribe
#howtoplaybasswithadrummer #beginnerbasslessons

[@BassBuzz]

What helps you groove with your drummer the most?

[@stefaneduard8169]

I listen to both rythm guitar and the drums

[@RetJim]

Actually having a drummer 😭😭😭

[@Zigger27]

Good eye contact. And that mutual smile once you're locked in to each other

[@casenbledsoe6674]

BassBuzz i play in a punk band and the thing that helps the most to help groove with my drummer is to just feel the music, feel the beat just everything in between it helps a lot to be in the mood for the music

[@antoniosization]

dude, you uploaded this vid 6 hours ago, but this comment is from 2 days ago, what????

[@Zigger27]

A basic rules of thumb is recently learned: hit the note on the kickdrum and mute it when the snare hits. It makes a simple bass line suddenly sound more pro

[@BassBuzz]

Yes, cutting off when the snare hits is a really useful tool! Not a 100% thing (just like sticking with the kick), but I often do that when I want something to sound "tighter."

[@HappySmilyGuy]

Back in the day, that realisation was a massive game change for me. Then actually doing it was a challenge depending on how consistent the drummer was with their kick patterns :P

[@aprilkurtz1589]

@@BassBuzz It also is good practice for learning syncopation. Sometimes you may be playing a 16th note pattern and there will be a 16th rest(I hate that), and you HAVE to kill the note right before the rest, or nobody will hear the "hole" in the pattern. You mentioned that bass players usually follow the kick drum. If your drummer's name is Keith Moon, whose drumming usually followed the vocals, your name better be John Entwistle, the timekeeper. While showing the pentatonic who the boss of it is at the same time, among other things. I don't know if young people even know who the Who was, but they're a great study in how to make chaos work on stage.

[@SwaybackJack]

After 20 years I switched from guitar to bass. The bass instantly felt "right" for me but I could tell I was picking up some bad habits. I binge-watched your videos and thank you for the solid foundation. Immensely helpful channel.

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you, glad the videos are helping you make the transition to the low end. 👍

[@garthwick19]

I'm you..but now, not three years ago

[@SilentGlaceon94]

One reason I want to learn how to play bass is so that I can jam with my older brother (The drummer of the family) whenever he practices so I can get used to playing with someone on bass (I can play clarinet in a typical concert band setting, but I have a hard time with an improv group as I always default to songs I already know). These videos are very insightful!

[@BassBuzz]

That's great you have someone to jam with!

[@tjadventures]

I like the second version of your example more. I think that not playing on each drum beat makes it sound more like the two instruments are completing each other while playing at the same time makes me feel like they are playing over each other. Truthfully, for me, seeing the other players, including the drummer, play with a lot of passion and enthusiasm makes me want to play better and in such a way that the whole package sounds better.

[@yemoochy9553]

I actually like that 2nd one sounds kind of funky

[@sushi_bae_]

Keeping good eye contact with my drummer helps us stay together really well. its so simple, but helpful beyond belief!

[@BassBuzz]

Totally! As long as it's not the stink eye. :)

[@user-qf5mj3dc3z]

That Mac / Charlie stare!

[@jolt06]

I have to make sure my drummer does not drink mountain dew or he will always speed the beat up when he does.

[@BassBuzz]

HA

[@petepaul615]

Now just imagine MD is yayo... SPEED METAL!!!

[@DJ2109]

stop 💀

[@mlaket2062]

hey, can you do a video about bass pedals

[@JessicaMorgani]

I like sitting closer to my drummer, it's something that really helps in a show

[@kevinturvey8213]

it's always very useful for the bass player to actually look at the drummer while they're playing - even out of the corner of your eye. you can pick up lots of valuable timing information ( i.e. that will help you play your bass in time with the drums) from seeing the drummer's arms moving - that's why orchestras have conductors waving a baton!

[@BassBuzz]

Totally agree Kevin! I love a drummer who actually looks up from their instrument/sheet music to see if I'm giving them a stank face or not. :P

[@markbass354]

drum Josh looks a lot like bass Josh

[@BassBuzz]

Hmm, and they've never been seen together in the same room... something fishy is going on here.

[@Rodessenth]

Almost like they are the same person. *suspicion intensifies*

[@markbass354]

HI ​ Rodessenth

[@user-vv7ns7ur5g]

I’ve been playing the drums for a couple months now. I recently started learning the bass and I’m so glad videos like this exist to help my musical foundation:)

[@paulsharkey7876]

Thanks for making this video I always had this problem in bands

[@cmswrD]

Super helpful video, man! I'm a drummer but I love learning about bass cause having the bass and drums lock in is so important! Whenever my bass player plays a certain bass line I pretty much reverse this process and play the kick drum according to whatever notes he plays.

[@dwightdawson3578]

Keegan Dunphy at least someone else knows how it works. I feel sorry for any newbies who learned what was said in the video. I have walked away from potential paying gigs if I have to listen to a drummer tell me to follow him. Not listening to any more of these BS lessons.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Keegan! Thanks for being the kind of drummer that actually listens. :)

[@KBums]

Nice dude. I play in a band and I feel it's very important for the bass player (me) and the drummer to keep in rhythm with each other.

[@teodortsonev4442]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH! That help me improve my bass skills!

[@identifikator4]

Bro your videos are so helpful and intresting please keep it coming you are helping me alot

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Michael, will do!

[@andrewperera4270]

Good video man it makes sense. Cheers,

[@brrosskiee]

bass + drums = best friends

[@derekdauchan2741]

You're a great educator Josh . Thank you so much man .

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you Derek!

[@brianstrom6649]

Coming from a bassist of more years than I care to mention, great lesson. Wish you tube was around when I started playing. Your advice is spot on for someone starting out, and I know a couple of "veterans" that could stand to watch this too!

[@chasbodaniels1744]

This guy is terrific... I agree.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Brian and Chasbo!

[@ajdayton101]

Regardless of what you are playing, staying in time will have people taking notice. Based on what I've learned from Josh and others, and practicing basic rhythms to drum tracks I get lots of compliments on my timing and ability to keep the grove even when there is a mistake by myself or the guitar player.

[@BassBuzz]

Totally John! Groove is always priority #1.

[@hilbillyshack]

Exactly I’m an extremely average player, But I get compliments in my playing mainly because I think my timing is pretty good. I’m always amazed at how many players of a higher level don’t keep good consistent time. Is a skill worth working on.

[@edhsiu]

Man, I picked up a bass during this Covid SIP, and I've binge watched all your videos. Awesome instruction! I should have skipped the Fender play account I signed up for, ugh!

[@Zeitgeist64]

Holly Molly, best bass teacher on KZbin. Thanks man. Im playing bass for almost 5 years, by Your video's i learn a lot new interesting things. Keep them coming man :)

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you, glad the videos are helpful!

[@meatfistcannon3939]

Your content is very informative and entertaining. I enjoy that your acounting for most things a bass player might trouble shoot. Good job. And thank you.

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you!

[@SteveWeltman]

Super simple strategy to stay in the pocket with the drummer. And the video was frickin hilarious again! Stop making me laugh so hard… I’m tryin to learn over here. 😳🤣🤣

[@Bigbandi]

Yes. You're back!

[@yaninaayalaherrera8956]

Yup!: form a good bond with your drummer, flow together, listen to.each other and look at each other until you are one. But PLEASE FOR.THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING THAT'S HOLY DON'T DATE THE DRUMMER. IT'S A TRAP! it never ends well..... I learnt it the hard way ...many times 🤣 Seriously though... don't 🚫❤🥁 🤣

[@chasbodaniels1744]

Ok, check, think I’ve got it. Don’t date the drummer. Do not date the drummer. Under no circumstances should I date the drummer.

[@gohjohan]

Yeah, Gwen Stefani can attest to that, even though she's not the bass player in the band.

[@ninaaanestad7198]

ohno

[@UkeofCarl]

I can do that.

[@aly9402]

@@gohjohan I don't get it. Gwen Stefani dated Tony Kanal, the bass player.

[@zacharylawrence5717]

Terrific class!

[@TheKottonheads]

Well done Man! Been needing this lesson for awhile now.... I'm In!!!

[@user-tj8du2bc8e]

Hey josh i been coming to ur channel when i feel stuck and u always leading me in the right direction thanks

[@michaelzollinger4977]

LOVE this lesson! Easily understandable bites of information.

[@ihavenolife4642]

as a drummer trying to learn the bass so that i can make some music on my own, this is incredibly helpful

[@boxicool]

Your channel is amazing! I want more this kind of lesson! I will pay for it! I am self teaching and you explain everything so clear!

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you!

[@bobnail9352]

just a newbie on bass playing with lead and rhythm guitarists who have been a duo for some 40 years - you explain it so well - thanks - Having no drummer makes my Bass stand out .... so I am taking it slow and careful - thanks!

[@BassBuzz]

Welcome to the bass family Bob!

[@patrickmurphy9186]

Great, easy, and straightforward explanation. Thanks for the video and keeping it simple.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Patrick!

[@allenmarsden2594]

Thanks Josh I used to play in the 70s and early 80s but haven't held a bass until recently it's almost like starting over. Almost😁 you're video actually helped to get things rolling again

[@BassBuzz]

Welcome back to the bass Allen!

[@stefanbandas2157]

Was super amped to see Phil Lesh at the end, Josh. Thanks for what you do.

[@Julioc96]

Great advice for beginners. Bass and drums have a close relationship. I think both, drums and bass players can benefit a lot from knowing a little bit of the other instrument.

[@BassBuzz]

Agree Julio!

[@zacharylawrence5717]

Outstanding!

[@doxx2427]

Excellent content even for non-beginners. If I could subscribe twice I would. You just entered my top 3 bass teachers online. Mark from Talking Bass Scott Devine And now you! Great work. I can't wait for intermediate stuff.

[@AgilDogsVideo]

My favorites are Mark and Josh. Scott rambles too much, lol.

[@doxx2427]

@@AgilDogsVideo Yea, I know he takes a while to get to the point sometimes, I guess that's his personality. I was a member of SBL and I leaned ALOT from him. I like Mark and Josh's teaching style, very thoughtful. They both take every possible obstacle into consideration and address it in a systematic manner. I wish when I was just starting to play bass I had either of them as my personal tutor. I probably would be better than victor Wooten by now🤷🏾‍♂️... (or maybe not🤦🏾‍♂️)

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Rashy, I appreciate that!

[@fattypookums]

You should definitely check out Anthony Muthurajah, he’s got some really informative videos on the more technical side of bass playing

[@km6348]

Literally just played with a drummer a few days ago and this vid pops up, nice

[@franciscosanchez8314]

Impresive Lesson!!! Thank you very much!!!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Francisco!

[@kevinturvey8213]

excellent work

[@spacep0d]

Great lesson. Thanks!

[@verdaylove]

sooooooooo grateful for u guys (or just josh idk) for providing more variety for different learning styles such a fresh way to teach thank uuuuu

[@BassBuzz]

You're very welcome Alexis!

[@NoLifeKingRL]

Need to go to sleep... Clicks next video... Grabs bass back off stand...

[@shateq]

That drum demonstrations with songs seem sick too me, good job!

[@pavenrajjf1440]

It's really useful ❤

[@johnquintmatt1986]

Josh, you’re the man. wish i could get one on one instruction from you! i got money and i got the time! Bass forever.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks John! My time is stretched pretty thin, but shoot me an email, maybe we can work something out.

[@travisreed5965]

Yes!! This Is So Useful For Me. Watched A Few Times And Will Continue To Do So. In My Opinion , The Three Bass Riffs Allow That "symbol" To Breathe As Well As Land On The Kick Drum. Excellent Video!! Many Thanx Cheers

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Travis!

[@mikastu]

Love your channel! Love the videos! Love the Cake shirt!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Stuart! 😊

[@blindguymcsqueezy50]

I’m not even a beginner but i can appreciate how important these videos are for those starting out. Wish your channel existed in 2010

[@statlalinden662]

Exactly

[@KirilloffSergio]

Thank you!

[@gooscooby5988]

Wow, this lesson is super helpful, thanks 👍

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome! :)

[@house_owl5602]

Dude this is perfect my stepdad bought me a bass and he's a drummer first time we tried to jam it was horrible this helps a lot

[@BassBuzz]

Nice! Bass and drums jams are tricky, it can get a little boring without a melody instrument in the mix until you find the right angle. Playing along with songs together isn't a bad starting point!

[@didierlambreyds]

A great lesson

[@kylanicole2713]

Your videos are so helpful

[@BassBuzz]

Good to hear Kyla!

[@matthewrundle9241]

Such clear instructions!!!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Matthew!

[@vicuna4036]

You are the best channel ever I learnd a lot from you!

[@BassBuzz]

Glad to hear it!

[@nathanlivesey2454]

Subscribed! Great lesson, very helpful and easy to follow 🤘

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Nathan, glad it helped!

[@jamesrusso2523]

Bad at this i picked # 2 ,thanks for the nice lesson.

[@johnnovotny52]

Great lesson Josh! One thing that works is to TAKE THE TIME to do what you covered here and have the bass and drums groove into a given beat/bassline without the rest of the parts just to get it tight. Then add the rest. It helps the others to hear that process too, but that rhythm section would do well to just practice together without the others at times. Makes a big difference.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks John, great suggestion.

[@bretthines1020]

Great tip!

[@tomdonaldson8032]

Great video, Love the FOTC poster!! lol

[@malygin1983]

Thank you for the video!!!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome 😎

[@g.pstudios1991]

I love the flight of the choncords posters, very dope

[@sivadmg]

I started playing bass to learn this lesson. After 3 yrs I'm not going to quit now.

[@romulonumfoith]

Muito bom. Obrigado! Por favor, mais aulas de baixo e bateria.

[@WILSONsHobbies]

Thanks man!

[@subhrajyotisarkar2072]

Awesome sir

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Subhrajyoti!

[@Digmen1]

Wow I love those graphics!

[@BujorOvidiu]

This lesson was awesome. New subscriber.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Bujor!

[@crazyeelboy]

Good lesson!

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you, glad you liked it!

[@stefaneduard8169]

I'd also love to know the patterns of the other musical genres😀

[@galilsiongco9804]

I hope your channel gets more subs, your lessons are very helpful

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Galil! Just crossed 25k subs, thanks to all the new folks enjoying these videos!

[@pop8590]

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCHHH

[@alastaircruz542]

Finally! Thank you!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Alastair!

[@markdaniels7174]

Great content, esp. for beginners.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Mark!

[@mervinleztervalido24]

I like that you're using a cheap bass in your vids. Im new at the bass and im learning a lot from your vids. Thank you man!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Mervin!

[@robertreynolds2618]

I am a drummer who recently started playing bass, and playing the bass with the drummer kind of comes naturally for me. I try to hit my bass notes a long with what I would play the bass drum. I have already had people in the band that I play with, that they like what I am doing because of that fact.

[@aarondavis4341]

Not always for beginners here, even us old players come back to sharpen our skill, lol good video Josh! I use the hihat more to tell me the tempo of what I'm playing, then base my line off the kick and snare, or sometimes to higher Tom's , I try to emulate what the drummer is dóing, í play drums on the bass would be the easiest way to explain it, lol🤘

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Aaron! Yeah, lots of ways to approach syncing with a drum beat, for sure.

[@bobt5778]

Another great video - thanks Josh! I see you are still giving that Squier Classic Vibe a workout!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Bob!

[@lizmyers3650]

This is killer video - so easy to follow and learn! I'm married to a bass player....heh heh...now I get it!

[@DJ2109]

underrated video. deserves 8 million views

[@agustinquindimil6594]

Im a guitarrist i fully respect you guys

[@owlsonik37]

I liked the second one also! 😁

[@randyzeitman1354]

Oh what a clever video! I've subscribed.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Randy!

[@timothywiley6334]

Thanks much.

[@richardriley8906]

Cool video . New subscriber . Need to learn americana , outlaw country bass lines . Already acoustic player midlevel. Your a great instructor. Make it fun, which makes it easier ! 4 thumbs up .

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Richard!

[@jamesgraham6796]

Thank you, Josh. You are speaking my language.

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome James!

[@ljgarrison6910]

You deserve alot more subs than you currently have, bloody good content!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks LJ!

[@gohjohan]

Not enough subs because not everyone wants to play bass. I'm keen to learn because my church needs a bass player after the social distance law is lifted. So yes, I'm using this downtime to learn and this video is very helpful because there is a drummer.

[@rotem4519]

Thanks!!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome!

[@LokiAvivson]

1:16 WOW THATS AN EPIC DRUM KIT!

[@dramin7805]

I love you bass dude

[@dramin7805]

Helping me become a bass dude myself

[@alteredbrain]

That's the power of love

[@jonahbernhold8865]

Love the 'cake' Shirt, buddy! Greta Video!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Jonah!

[@phillalebbasro639]

Drums are really nice. :)

[@deletednomas4095]

As a drummer, this helped me understand bassist

[@BassBuzz]

Glad it helped!